Lord Swraj Paul pays tribute to IK Gujral

London: Lord Swraj Paul on Friday paid glowing tributes to former Prime Minister I K Gujral, describing him as a "nice human being, a gentleman to the core and a good friend."

The NRI industrialist recalled that when he was given peerage in 1996, he was surprised to receive a call from Gujral, then the Prime Minister, congratulating him and suggesting that he should be called "Lord Paul of Jalandhar."

Reuters

"I was pleasantly surprised to receive a congratulatory call from Gujral, then Indian Prime Minister."

"He knew I was born in Jalandhar and jokingly suggested the title. Of course, I couldn't have opted for that," Paul said.

Paul said that Gujral was one of the nicest human beings he has met. He has served India in various capacities with distinction.

The former Prime Minister died today at the age of 92 at a Gurgaon hospital after a brief illness.